Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of vegetable beef soup, especially on a chilly day when you need something satisfying and nutritious. This classic soup is a wonderful way to pack in loads of vegetables, tender beef, and delicious broth, making it a wholesome meal for the whole family. Vegetable beef soup is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also a great dish for batch cooking, as it freezes well and can be enjoyed over several days.
In this article, we’ll guide you through making a delicious homemade vegetable beef soup that’s brimming with flavors, textures, and nutrients. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can have a comforting, filling soup ready to enjoy.
Why Vegetable Beef Soup Is a Favorite
Vegetable beef soup is a classic comfort dish that combines the hearty goodness of beef with the freshness of vegetables. It’s a versatile meal that can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it ideal for using up produce. The soup is packed with protein from the beef, fiber from the vegetables, and plenty of vitamins and minerals, making it both nutritious and delicious.
It’s also a wonderful dish for feeding a crowd or freezing leftovers for a quick meal on busy days. The flavors develop even more as the soup sits, so it’s perfect for meal prep and enjoying over the course of a few days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients for a classic vegetable beef soup:
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth (or more for desired consistency)
- 2 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juice)
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making this hearty vegetable beef soup.
Step 1: Sear the Beef
The first step in creating a rich and flavorful vegetable beef soup is to sear the beef. This helps to lock in the juices and develop a deep, savory flavor that will enrich the broth.
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat to the pot and sear it on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; sear the beef in batches if needed.
- Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate. You’ll add it back to the soup later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
With the beef browned, it’s time to sauté the aromatics and build the base flavor for the soup.
- In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Next, it’s time to add the broth and simmer the soup, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Return the seared beef to the pot, along with any juices that collected on the plate.
- Add the beef broth, carrots, celery, potatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Vegetables
To ensure that the green beans, corn, and peas don’t overcook and become mushy, add them toward the end of the cooking process.
- After the soup has simmered for 45 minutes, add the green beans, corn, and peas to the pot.
- Continue simmering the soup for another 10-15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more beef broth to the soup.
Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve it hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Vegetable Beef Soup
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality beef broth make all the difference in the flavor of the soup. If you have access to homemade beef broth, it will elevate the dish even more.
- Sear the beef: Don’t skip the step of searing the beef before simmering it. Searing helps lock in the beef’s juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the soup.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand or what’s in season. Zucchini, bell peppers, or parsnips are great additions to the soup.
- Make it ahead: Vegetable beef soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. It’s perfect for meal prep or making ahead of time.
Health Benefits of Vegetable Beef Soup
Vegetable beef soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are some of the health benefits:
- Rich in Protein: The beef in the soup provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Loaded with Vegetables: This soup is an excellent way to get a variety of vegetables into your diet, each of which provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Low in Fat: By using lean cuts of beef and keeping the soup broth-based, this dish is relatively low in fat while still being hearty and filling.
- Good for Digestion: The fiber from the vegetables, particularly the carrots, celery, and potatoes, helps support healthy digestion.
Conclusion: A Hearty, Nutritious Meal for Any Day
Vegetable beef soup is the perfect blend of hearty, nutritious ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping it ahead for the week, this soup is versatile, flavorful, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
With its tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth, this soup is a timeless classic that will warm you from the inside out. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Source of the picture : smalltownwoman.com
